Marcos on Independence Day: Fake News and Corrupt Officials Threaten Democracy

MANILA – June 12, 2025, On the 127th celebration of Philippine independence, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned against two pressing threats to the country’s democracy: fake news and the abuse of power by government officials.

Addressing the nation at the Quirino Grandstand, Marcos declared that “freedom is not just about independence from colonizers — it is about ensuring truth prevails and those in power are held accountable.”

“Pananagutan. ‘Yan ang sigaw ng sambayanan,” Marcos said, emphasizing that public service must be driven by integrity and responsiveness.

Although the President did not mention specific cases, his remarks come amid heightened political tension over the stalled impeachment proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte. The Senate had recently returned the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives, effectively delaying any trial.

Marcos urged swift government action on persistent issues, including rising food prices, dilapidated infrastructure, and unstable power supply — all of which he said are tests of true public service.

“Ang nais ng taumbayan ay tunay na pagkilos at serbisyo. Hindi pwedeng puro salita lang. Panahon na para managot ang umaabuso — at pati ang mga nagpapabaya,” the President added.

The Chief Executive also delivered a veiled message against online disinformation, calling on citizens to remain vigilant against lies and manipulation.

“Ang mga kasinungalingan at maling impormasyon ay salot sa ating kalayaan. Sa panahon ng mabilis na teknolohiya, mas kailangan nating maging mapanuri at responsable,” he said.

His Independence Day message marks a clear shift in tone as the administration faces mounting criticism from both the opposition and the public, especially after a poor showing of the administration’s Senate slate in the midterm elections.

The President also defended free speech under his term, asserting that all Filipinos have the right to express themselves without fear — a pointed contrast to the climate under former president Rodrigo Duterte, where journalists and critics were often targeted.

The speech, delivered before military and civic groups, ended with a renewed call for national unity and vigilance.

“Kalayaan ay hindi lamang ipinagdiriwang — ito’y ipinaglalaban araw-araw,” Marcos said.